Legendary Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa will make one more World Cup appearance, according to ESPN on Monday.
With Mexico having already won Group A heading into their final group match against the Czech Republic, ESPN reported that manager Javier Aguirre would give Ochoa the nod in Wednesday’s contest at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.
Soon to be 41, it will be Ochoa’s 12th World Cup appearance and 153rd cap for his country, coming in a venue that has been his home for the majority of his club career with Liga MX powers Club America.
Ochoa said before the tournament that he will retire from the national team and possibly from the sport altogether after this World Cup.
Ochoa has been a part of six Mexico World Cup squads, getting the nod this year to back up Raul Rangel. He has appeared in 32 qualifying matches across four cycles and is Mexico’s third-most capped player at any position.
In CONCACAF play, Ochoa is arguably the most decorated goalkeeper of all time, starting for Mexico’s Gold Cup-winning sides in 2015, 2019 and 2023. He owns a 14-1-2 record in the competition.
After Wednesday’s match, Mexico will remain in Mexico City for a round of 32 match against a third-place group finisher and potentially a round of 16 fixture as well, should they advance.
–Ian Nicholas Quillen, Field Level Media
